John Antwi will stride into the Dreams FC dressing room, his eyes will burn with determination looking around at his teammates. He will identify a mixture of nerves and excitement on their faces.
The Still Believe side are about to embark on one of the biggest matches in the club’s history – a CAF Confederation Cup semifinal first leg against Egyptian giants Zamalek.
As veteran striker prepares to lead Dreams FC into their crucial clash in Cairo, he reflects fondly on his previous stints in the North African nation that spanned over a decade.
“I am very happy going back to Egypt again,” Antwi states. “I spent a lot of time there and I know how it is to play in Egypt. I had the opportunity to have trials with some clubs and I was successful and signed for Ismaily, my first club and after that, the rest was history.”
The 30-year-old Ghanaian reminisces about adjusting to life in the Arab country as a Christian. “It was okay for me living there. Being an Arab country and I being a Christian, it wasn’t that easy but I was able to cope with my colleagues and had a good time.”
For Antwi, this is a familiar territory. The well-travelled Ghanaian had spent many years plying his trade in the Egyptian Premier League, turning out for clubs like Ismaily, Al Ahly, Misr El-Makasa, and Pyramids FC.
During his stint in Egypt, he had won two league titles and an Egyptian Super Cup, while racking up an impressive goal tally of 83 from 189 matches.
Antwi’s time in Egypt was highlighted by elite club stints and individual accolades. He recounts fondly his exploits against Zamalek, Dreams FC’s current opponent.
“When I was in Al Ahly, playing against Zamalek was a big game and every time, I was anticipating to play that game so I am very happy going back to play against Zamalek. Playing for El-Makasa, I think I scored a couple of goals against them and I also scored against them with Ismaily.”
Dreams FC striker John Antwi is looking forward to the CAF Confederation Cup game against Zamalek this weekend.#3SportsGH pic.twitter.com/Nu8l5qCxS7
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) April 18, 2024
The seasoned campaigner points to a couple of career zenith moments during his Egyptian sojourn.
“My biggest moment is when I was with Ismaily and I was able to win the goal king. I also cherish when I played with Pyramids and scored my 100th goal, it was also one of the biggest moments for me. I loved my time with Makasa and also playing for the biggest club in Africa, Al Ahly are all part of my best times in Egypt.”
— DREAMS FC 🏆 22/23 FA CUP CHAMPIONS (@DreamsFootballC) April 19, 2024
Now Antwi is focused on creating new memories by powering Dreams FC to a historic CAF Confederation Cup final appearance. The Ghanaian underdogs face a daunting task against the White Knights, but the striker believes his side is capable of the upset.
Ghana's Ambassador to Egypt Lt. Gen. Obed Boamah Akwah (Rtd) visited the team's hotel to offer his support ahead of Sunday's match against Zamalek. The ambassador also revealed plans are underway to mobilize support amongst the Ghanaian community in Egypt for the game. pic.twitter.com/CCCSDYb6aC
— DREAMS FC 🏆 22/23 FA CUP CHAMPIONS (@DreamsFootballC) April 20, 2024
“This campaign has been very good looking at where we are coming from. A small club playing three competitions at the same time. I mean in the FA Cup we are still in the quarterfinal, we are also in the CAF Confederation Cup semifinal and the league so I will say it has been a good season for the lads looking at how inexperienced they are, there are lots of talents here. Coming this far is very good for the club.”
Antwi recognizes the magnitude of the occasion for Dreams FC. “Playing in the semifinals means a lot for us. If we are able to make the final, it will be a big achievement for us. This is a big moment for the whole team.”
He insists his youthful teammates will be unfazed by the daunting task ahead.
“In every away game we prepare very well and do our best not to concede a lot of goals and if possible return with a win so we are taking the same mentality into this game. It is going to be a team work. We are going to talk amongst ourselves and work hard for this game.”
While Dreams FC are underdogs, Antwi believes the pressure is shared by his decorated opponents given the Ghanaian’s surprise run to the semis.
An Asante Kotoko fan had a go at the players at the bus after their 2-0 defeat to Dreams FC on Sunday#3SportsGH pic.twitter.com/hvgGhUBIlG
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) April 15, 2024
“Going in as underdogs, we have a lot to do as well. A lot of people did not expect us to come this far and be in the semifinal so I think there will be a bit of pressure on us looking at how far we have come, people will expect a lot from us.”
Ultimately, the veteran is backing his team’s diligent preparations to yield a positive result on Sunday.
“I believe in the boys and I know how well we have prepared, we are going to return with a positive result. Our fans and Ghanaians must keep supporting us because it is not going to be an easy game but with their support, we will return with a positive result.”
Antwi has been in scintillating form in the Confederation Cup, scoring four goals and providing two assists to help
Dreams FC reach this stage. His experience and goalscoring prowess would be crucial against the formidable Zamalek side who have won the CAF Champions league five times, though the team has fed off his confidence every time they make their way onto the pitch.
With Antwi’s wealth of experience and goalscoring prowess, Dreams FC with a sense of purpose have every reason to dream big knowing that they can take a crucial step towards reaching the Confederation Cup final.